Of course, having some of the most talented voice actors in the business doesn't hurt either. As mentioned earlier, several characters return to the franchise. But what kind of experience would it be to have these characters return without their voice actors? Well, those voice actors are all here.

Just like it is a necessity for players to have familiar voices with the characters, I also think it is important to have a few graphical points fans can associate with the series. In Mass Effect's case, there are only a few things that, graphically, seem to not have changed—the occasional frame rate drop or the pop-in graphics. While this is an important discretion, it is also important to point out that these issues are not consistent. In fact, playing through the beginning you will only notice a few frame rate issues, while the pop-in doesn't become too noticeable until later in the game.

When I sat down to play through Mass Effect 3, I honestly had no idea what to expect. Was this going to become the final chapter in one of the most epic storylines in gaming, or was it just going to cop out with an ending to rival that of Battlestar Galactica or The Sopranos? Either way, it didn't matter. Like everyone else, I was hooked from the beginning. The extras and refinement brought into this game have only made it better, and BioWare has made the latest installment in the Mass Effect series nearly perfect.

ByMatt Walker
Editor-In-Chief
Date: March 6, 2012

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.5

GraphicsSolid, but there are a few graphical problems throughout.

4.7

ControlFeels more natural than previously, if that is even possible.

5.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice ActingEveryone has brought their A-game to the vocals, and the score is one of the best this generation.

4.4

Play ValueThere are tons of things to do. Picking and choosing some of the best qualities from the previous two games makes this a solid follow-up.

4.6

Overall Rating - Must BuyNot an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend

0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid

2.5 - 2.9 = Average

3.5 - 3.9 = Good

4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy

2.0 - 2.4 = Poor

3.0 - 3.4 = Fair

4.0 - 4.4 = Great

5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

A rich, branching storyline: Experience a sci-fi epic with multiple endings determined by your choices and actions throughout the game.

Massive in scope: Battle on many worlds across the galaxy as you unite the ultimate force to take back the Earth before it's too late.

Large-scale and intelligent enemies: Battle enormous enemies and take on a smarter type of foe that will consistently challenge your best combat tactics and put you on the edge of your seat.

Unlock a customizable arsenal: Tailor each weapon with devastating upgrades including scopes, grips, barrels, and dozens of other unique attachments. Each weapon boasts its own powerful impact and visual flair.

Unleash death from afar or go toe-to-toe: Customize your soldier and squad to engage the enemy on your terms. A huge variety of weapons, abilities, and equipment allow you to combat the enemy in your preferred style of play.